Two brothers who went on an eight day theft and burglary spree predominantly targeting elderly women in Brent have been jailed for more than 14 years.

Shaun Moorhouse, 32, and his 30-year-old brother William Moorhouse, stole cars and bags while on their rampage through Wembley, Neasden and Willesden between January 19 and January 25.

Their offences, mainly against women aged between 65 and 88 years old, began on January 19 when a 74-year-old woman was robbed of her Volkswagen Golf on Barnhill Road in Wembley, Harrow Crown Court heard.

During the robbery, both men fought with her, knocking her to the floor, before driving off in her car.

The brothers used stolen cars, including a silver Vauxhall Astra, a black Audi A3 and a grey Volkswagen Golf to pull up alongside other victims intending to rob them.

Many victims were pushed to the floor and dragged along the street whilst hanging on to their handbags which the thieves had grabbed hold of.

Brent officers launched a proactive operation and on January 28, after a burglary of a 77-year-old man’s home in Balmoral Road, Willesden, William Moorhouse was arrested.

The following day Shaun Moorhouse was arrested by officers during a routine patrol on Oldfield Road.

On March 22 both men jointly entered guilty pleas to conspiracy counts concerning 15 offences listed against them. William also pleaded guilty to two burglary offences.

The brothers, of no fixed address, were sentenced on May 15.

Shaun was jailed for six years for conspiracy to commit theft and conspiracy to commit robbery.

William was sent down for eight years and seven months for conspiracy to commit theft, conspiracy to commit robbery and for two burglaries Neasden and Willesden.

Det Serg Richard Lewsley, from Brent CID, said: “This sentence sends out a clear message to those engaged in crime that despite attempts to evade police, all efforts will be taken to bring offenders to justice. It is clear the court have taken a strong position in administering this sentence.

“The response from detectives and constables across Brent and Harrow is testament to the dedication and perseverance shown in the face of what was a rapidly expanding linked series of offending.”